A VALLEY museum has won yet another prestigious award.
The Life Long Learning team at Colne Valley Museum – the local heritage museum in the centre of Golcar – had reason to be proud when they learned of yet another accolade for their education services to schools.
The team has won the Sandford Award, which recognises and promotes quality and excellence in education provision by historic sites across the British Isles.
The team applied earlier this year to the Heritage Education Trust, who manage this award, and were visited by a judge in June.
She joined Marsden Junior School in their day with ‘Mrs. Pearson and the family’, dressed appropriately, to see how children are involved in the day-to-day life of a weaver’s family.
“Although maintaining her professionalism throughout the day, she could not resist jumping up to see the butter when it ‘turned’ and tried her hand at spinning. “She could not believe, that we were all volunteers,” said museum publicity officer Anne Lord.
Sue Starr said how delighted she was to have this recognition of the work done by the volunteer members of the team over many years.
Sue has recently returned to lead the schools’ team and is very pleased to be building on the work done by Sheila Osborn (Aunt Lizzie) and Ron Ellis (Grandad) and the many other volunteers, since these 19th century days began back in 1977 with a visit from Netherton School.
“A day at Colne Valley Museum is remembered for a lifetime. Many parent helpers coming back now came to the museum themselves when they were children,” said Sue.
“We haven’t had any grandparents yet, but we are sure that this is just a matter of time!”
A spokeswoman for the Heritage Education Trust said: “The Colne Valley Museum offers visitors the opportunity to gain memorable and enjoyable insights into the daily life and skills of a family working as independent cloth makers in the 1840s by offering a philosophy of active learning.
“The Life Long Learning manager and her team are to be congratulated for the commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism they bring to the education service.”
Teachers wishing to visit Colne Valley Museum, at Cliffe Ash, Golcar, can download an information booklet from the museum’s website with detailed advice on how best to organise a visit, together with full descriptions of activities and how they link to the curriculum.
In addition the team have produced a ‘Teacher’s Pack’ full of information notes, source materials and activity sheets for use before or after a visit.
The museum also offers schools the opportunity to borrow a choice of six different loan boxes of Victorian objects – original and replica – which come with information notes and guidance on how to use the items as learning resources. Costumes are available for hire if the schools do not wish to bring their own for their visit. The education team are also happy to go out to schools in costume to demonstrate and discuss a particular skill or way of life.
Website: www.colnevalleymuseum.org.uk email: schools@colnevalleymuseum.org.uk
